Justin and Becky Ahlstrom drew inspiration from Justin’s grandmother, Margie, who ran Lyle’s Café in Winthrop, Minnesota, for 15 years. 🍽️
The husband-and-wife duo opened Grackle in October 2024 to bring elevated, from-scratch dining to a city dominated by chain restaurants.
Named after the migratory bird that signals the start of farming season in Winthrop, this family-owned scratch kitchen and cocktail bar at 11852 Elm Creek Blvd quickly earned recognition as one of Maple Grove’s top gluten-free dining spots.
How Grackle won Maple Grove’s hearts
Grackle captured Maple Grove’s affection by filling a void locals desperately needed—a high-quality, locally-owned restaurant in a sea of franchise chains.
The Ahlstroms meticulously crafted an environment that balances sophistication with approachability, featuring lush greenery and spacious booths perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.
Under culinary director Diego Chalco from Ecuador, Grackle offers a diverse menu blending Latin American flavors with classic comfort food—all made from scratch to accommodate dietary restrictions. 🌎
Their commitment to preparing everything from scratch means they can easily modify recipes for food allergies and gluten-free needs, with a dedicated gluten-free fryer earning them devoted fans.
The restaurant’s innovative cocktail program featuring drinks like the Grackle Mule, J’s Old Fashioned, and French Vanilla Espresso Martini elevated Maple Grove’s beverage scene dramatically.
Customers rave about the incredibly well-priced menu that delivers phenomenal results without breaking the bank, proving quality doesn’t require premium pricing. 💚
Food Highlights
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Gochujang Fried Chicken Sandwich: One of the best chicken sandwiches ever, featuring crispy chicken breast with spicy Korean gochujang sauce, lettuce, pickle, and tomato on toasted brioche.
- Wild Rice Burger: The customer favorite loaded with tons of flavor, available with sun-dried tomato aioli or regular ketchup that customers call absolutely delicious. 🍔
- Impossible Burger: For vegetarian guests, this plant-based option delivers satisfaction without compromising on flavor or quality.
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Smash Burgers: Two 4 oz burgers smashed with onions and topped with American cheese, micro greens, and secret sauce for classic diner perfection.
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Tomato Basil Steak Sandwich: A customer favorite featuring quality steak with fresh tomato and basil for an Italian-inspired experience.
- Salmon Burger: A perfectly prepared option that impressed customers who expected typical frozen patties but received fresh, flavorful excellence instead.
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Crusted Sea Bass: Justin’s personal favorite served with roasted root vegetables and house-made sauce that customers call excellent. 🐟
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Pulled Pork Sandwich: A hearty option that delivers tender, flavorful meat on house-made bread.
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Bacon Chutney Burger: This sweet and savory creation features crispy bacon with house-made chutney for a sophisticated flavor combination.
Atmosphere
Grackle occupies the former Wahlburgers space, featuring 220 indoor seats, lush greenery, comfortable booths, and ambient lighting that invites relaxation and connection.
The 6,000-square-foot restaurant balances sophistication with casual comfort, creating a cozy yet trendy environment perfect for solo dining, group gatherings, family dinners, or date nights.
Ample free parking in the lot and on the street makes visiting stress-free, while the location near The Village at Arbor Lakes puts you in Maple Grove’s busiest shopping district. ✨
Bottom Line
Visit Grackle for from-scratch cooking that accommodates all dietary needs, a locally-owned family business breaking Maple Grove’s chain restaurant dominance, innovative Latin American-American fusion under Chef Diego Chalco, a dedicated gluten-free fryer and allergy-safe kitchen, and incredible value with phenomenal food at reasonable prices.
Address:
11852 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
📞 (763) 898-3140
🕔 Mon–Sat 11 AM–10 PM (closed Sun)